Career Readiness Specialist

The Opportunity
At Skilled US, we believe in transforming lives through education and workforce readiness. We operate a full-service, brick-and-mortar adult education campus that blends rigorous instruction, career training, and holistic wraparound support. We are a bold, entrepreneurial, and student-first organization driven by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. We move fast, set the bar high, and work relentlessly to meet the evolving needs of our learners and the labor market.

Job Summary: The Career Readiness Specialist plays a mission-critical role in preparing individuals from underserved backgrounds to return to the workforce quickly and successfully. This position is focused on reducing barriers to employment and accelerating career readiness by delivering high-impact support services that meet students where they are—and move them forward. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to helping jobseekers re-enter the workforce with confidence, skills, and a plan. Through motivational interviewing, structured coaching, and intensive wraparound support, this role ensures that every participant receives a clear pathway to employment and long-term stability. You will work directly with individuals impacted by poverty, justice involvement, limited education, and other challenges that prevent them from accessing and retaining good jobs.

The Details

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct one-on-one workforce readiness assessments to identify employment barriers and career goals
• Use motivational interviewing to guide participants in building actionable job search and training plans
• Deliver and facilitate workforce development soft skills workshops focused on resume building, interview preparation, soft skills, time management, and workplace behavior
• Provide direct connections to job training, hiring fairs, employer interviews, and work-based learning opportunities
• Coordinate urgent support services such as transportation, childcare, and housing to eliminate employment disruptions
•  Maintain close weekly follow-ups with students until they are successfully placed into jobs or training
• Track and report progress using CRM tools like Salesforce and inTERS
• Partner with training providers and employers to ensure job readiness and credential alignment
• Monitor program metrics including placement, retention, and credential attainment
• Collaborate with internal teams and external referral partners to expand job access and ensure holistic support
• Serve as a vocal advocate for the urgent needs of jobseekers in systems-level discussions and planning
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field
• 2+ years experience working in workforce development, case management, or employment support services
• Strong familiarity with the job market, training pathways, and employer expectations
• Proficiency with case management tools and documentation (Salesforce or similar systems)
• Experience working with adults facing barriers such as justice involvement, housing instability, or limited literacy
• Training in motivational interviewing or employment coaching highly preferred
• Bilingual skills are a plus

Core Competencies:

• Results-Driven: Relentless focus on job placement and retention
• Barrier-Breaker: Proactively identifies and solves challenges that prevent employment
• Urgency Mindset: Operates with the speed and purpose required to meet real-world jobseeker needs
• Relationship-Builder: Builds trust with students, employers, and partners
• Equity-Focused: Committed to serving marginalized and overlooked populations with dignity
• Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced, outcomes-based environment

Our Commitment:

We are here to lift up individuals who are ready to work but have been shut out of opportunity. Our goal is not only to prepare them—but to place them. If you are passionate about workforce equity and driven by results, we want you on our tea

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.